Sandalwood reinterpreted: Escentric 04
In Escentric 04, Javanol is complemented by other notes, with Geza Schön drawing inspiration from grapefruit. ‘In other Escentric fragrances, I used large quantities of the main molecule. But Javanol is like truffles – just a small amount is enough to transport you to seventh heaven.’ Escentric 04 is therefore a unique interpretation of sandalwood – not woody and heavy, but complemented in the top note by fresh, bitter notes of pink grapefruit peel, juniper and pink pepper. A hint of marijuana brings out the soft notes of grapefruit. Iris (orris) blossoms in the heart with a rose accord newly composed by Schön. The fragrance lingers with a balsamic, woody note of Javanol and the sweeter sandalwood molecule polysantol.
‘What I love about this fragrance is its almost psychedelic freshness,’ says perfumer Geza Schön, explaining his olfactory coup. He describes Molecule 04 as ‘a liquid, metallic shell of grapefruit spilling over a bed of velvety, cream-coloured roses.’
Packaging and design: strikingly purist
Like Escentric Molecules 01, 02 and 03, the packaging and design are by London-based Me Company. Shimmering gold and brown tones reflect the warmth of javanol, while pink and orange reflect the freshness of the fragrance. Stylistically, the design remains true to itself: the digital look of Escentric 04 showcases the interplay of ‘art and chemistry’; the radial lines of Molecule 04 were inspired by atomic collisions in a particle accelerator.
A single molecule at the heart of a fragrance – this concept has been causing a sensation for many years now for the Escentric Molecules label. Now, perfume artist Geza Schön is continuing the successful series. Escentric Molecules 04 also comes in two fragrances: the radical version, based on a single molecule (Molecule), and the classic fragrance (Escentric), composed around the molecule with top, heart and base notes.
Travel Spray
Escentric Molecules portables are 30ml fragrances that slot into sleek, minimalist cases for maximum portability. Each metal case is blasted with stainless steel ‘sand’ to burnish the surface to a soft lustre. It is then anodised for high durability.
